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Introduce Yourself
We think you will like it here, and we want to hear from you. Whether you want to say hello or you have specific questions, we hope you’ll reach out.
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Affording Carleton
At Carleton, we’re committed to making our education affordable to all admitted students — not just those whose families can pay the full cost. We meet the full need of all admitted students. And we keep loans small and work-study manageable. This lets you focus on what matters: getting a top-notch education.
At Carleton, we’re committed to making our education affordable to all admitted students — not just those whose families can pay the full cost. We meet the full need of all admitted students. And we keep loans small and work-study manageable. This lets you focus on what matters: getting a top-notch education.
Our Financial Aid Program
Your college search won’t be complete until you consider how to afford your top choice schools. We use financial aid to support students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. This includes our lowest income students as well as those in the middle income ranges.
Award Financial Aid
For first-year students who started at Carleton in 2024, the average financial aid award was $68,279. 56% received aid.
Eliminate Obstacles
We charge no application fee for students who apply for admission.
Maximize Our Dollars
To ensure we can fund generous financial aid packages, we do not offer merit scholarships.
Reduce Your Expenses
Our total comprehensive fee covers most student expenses. The only exceptions are books and supplies, personal spending money, and travel. There are no extra fees for labs, field trips, student publications, or college events.
Maintain Transparency
Here are the costs for the 2024-25 school year:
Tuition: $68,457
Housing: $9,282
Food: $8,304
Student Activity Fee: $435
Comprehensive Fee: $86,478
| Family Income | Average Financial Aid Award | Average Net Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $41,999 | $80,829 | $2,573 |
| $42,000–$104,999 | $75,426 | $7,597 |
| $105,000–$169,999 | $64,581 | $19,038 |
| $170,000–$224,999 | $52,022 | $29,975 |
| $225,000–$275,000 | $42,075 | $42,227 |
The Fritch and Strong Scholarships
Carleton supports middle-income students with the Fritch and Strong Scholarships.
If you live in a town, city, or metro area with fewer than 200,000 people, you may qualify for the Fritch Scholarship. Students from larger urban areas can qualify for the Strong Scholarship.
These awards replace student loans and cover some books and other academic expenses. They total $40,000 per student ($10,000 per year).
Carleton awards the Fritch and Strong Scholarships each school year on a competitive basis. Students can renew them for three more years after their first year at Carleton.